About Product Design - BA/bsc (hons) Degree in Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course Overview

The things in our lives, the objects that we love, the equipment we use and the tools we depend upon, are developed by product designers.

A product designer is as much a creative problem solver as they are an identifier of problems. They respond to human needs within real-world contexts, develop sustainable interventions, rigorously test them and turn them into products ready to be manufactured and put to use.

The BA/BSc Product Design degree at Cardiff Met gives you the skills this fast-moving industry demands. You will explore cutting edge design thinking, sustainable design principles, material science and engineering, rapid prototyping and manufacturing, and human-centred design principles.

You will work within real-world contexts on live briefs, on interdisciplinary projects and creative competitions to develop your knowledge of design processes through to manufacture.

Opt to study either a BA or a BSc Product Design - whichever you choose, you'll gain thorough knowledge of the product development process and leave with the skills and expertise you need to become a designer whose products have the potential to change lives.​

​Course Content​

​​​You study either a BA or BSc in Product Design – with the option to switch from one to the other after your first year, once you’ve established where your interests and ambitions lie.

BA
You’ll focus on the intellectual and creative skills you need to develop objects with purpose, beauty and social relevance. You’ll take a user-centred approach to design and consider how objects are used in social groups and cultural situations.

BSc
You’ll concentrate on design for manufacture and assembly – focusing on technical and engineering issues. You’ll develop your logistical and intellectual skills and use them to solve problems and develop products. 

Throughout your studies you’ll have full use of our extensive workshop facilities and specialist design studios – where you’ll gain practical knowledge of a variety of materials and develop skills in both traditional and new technologies surrounding core competencies, including:

• Design Process: User Centric Methodologies including Design Thinking and Human-Centred Design
• User Insights: Ethnography Research, Empathy as a Designers tool, User testing
• 2D and 3D Conceptualisation: Sketching, Rapid Prototyping, Hand Modelling
• Prototyping: Arduino/Electronics, Laser cutting, Computer Numerical Machining (CNC), 3D printing, Woodwork, Stitch, Metal work, Ceramics
• Design for Manufacture: Industry standard CAD software, CAD/CAM, Exploration of Manufacturing Processes and Material Properties
• Presentation Techniques: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Keyshot
• Engineering Science (BSc): Mechanical Properties, Machines and Mechanical advantage, Power Transmission Systems, Analogue and Digital Signal and their processing, Electronics, Computer Programming, Electro Mechanical Systems

Both the BA and BSc give you vital opportunities to experience how product design works in the real world – with live briefs, industry placements, research projects and options to study abroad. In your final year, you can choose to complete a business plan, technical report or dissertation to help you get closer to your career goal. 

Changes may occur to certain credit values of the modules listed below, due to a change in University Policy to deliver credits in multiples of 20. Changes will be confirmed through a modification event and applicants will be notified of any changes once the modification has been confirmed.

Employability & Careers​

Whilst your learning is designed to develop you into a rounded and capable artist/designer and intellectual, your curriculum is similarly structured with your potential in mind.

As such, the emphasis that will have been placed upon your work ethic, both creatively and academically, is matched with significant focus on real world experience; from building contacts and undertaking placements to live briefs and, should you choose so, support in forming your own business.

You can elect to take a route through your second and final years of studies where you can engage with businesses or launch your own for the moment you graduate. In your final year, rather than submit a dissertation, you have the option of devising a detailed business plan.
Throughout your time at CSAD, you will be meeting and hearing from professionals within your industry, honing your skills and ideas for commercial and professional advantage. Cross-disciplinary projects will prepare you for teamwork later on, whilst live briefs will prepare you for deadlines and the demands of tight specifications.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, include one English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U), minimum 60%

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :      6.0 overall* with no sub score lower than 5.5
• PTE         :      Overall - 52, Reading - 51, Speaking - 51,Listening - 51,Writing - 51

Cardiff Metropolitan University Highlights

Cardiff Metropolitan University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Personal requirements including books charge a different fee according to the course.